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Simon revealed: "Louis is great! It was so funny, and so kind of odd, because he had auditioned for me five years ago, and now he's sitting where I'm sitting, judging other people and doing it really well."

"I was really happy for him, he loved doing it," he added.

Liam announced a new solo deal recently (Image: Rex)

The star has signed to a rival label (Image: Getty)

Simon's remarks come as Liam announced the news of his new record, but said One Direction would always be his "family".

He revealed: "I'm really happy to have signed to such a prestigious label as Capitol Records UK. Capitol Records has an amazing history stretching right back before even Frank Sinatra and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of their story."

"One Direction will always be my family; I'm now excited to show what I can do as a solo artist," added the star.

The former One Direction singer has reportedly enlisted the help of Doyen Global, the company who handled David Beckham's career and build him into a worldwide brand.